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Baseball

Caratini, Milner avoid arbitration, reach deals with Brewers

The Associated Press 1 minute read Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Brewers catcher Victor Caratini and left-hander Hoby Milner agreed to one-year contracts Thursday, a day ahead of the swap of proposed arbitration salaries between players and teams.

Caratini agreed with Milwaukee at $2.8 million and Milner at $1,025,000.

Caratini, 29, hit .199 with nine homers and 34 RBIs in his first season with the Brewers, who acquired him from San Diego ahead of opening day. He is eligible for free agency after this year's World Series.

After sharing time with Omar Narváez last year, Caratini figures to split starts with William Contreras.

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Remaining Free Agents

The Associated Press 2 minute read Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023

NEW YORK (AP) — The 75 remaining free agents:

AMERICAN LEAGUE

BALTIMORE (3) — Jesús Aguilar, 1b; Robinson Chirinos, c; Rougned Odor, 2b.

BOSTON (2) — Tommy Pham, of; Michael Wacha, rhp.

Pitcher Corey Kluber, Red Sox finalize $10M, 1-year contract

The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Pitcher Corey Kluber, Red Sox finalize $10M, 1-year contract

The Associated Press 2 minute read Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023

BOSTON (AP) — Two-time AL Cy Young Award winner Corey Kluber and the Boston Red Sox finalized a $10 million, one-year contract on Thursday.

The deal includes an $11 million club option for 2024, which could escalate by $2 million based on starts this year: $500,000 for 20 and $750,000 apiece for 25 and 30.

He can earn $2 million in performance bonuses for starts: also $500,000 for 20 and $750,000 each for 25 and 30.

In addition, Boston avoided salary arbitration with left-hander Josh Taylor by agreeing to a one-year contract for $1,025,000.

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Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023

FILE - Tampa Bay Rays' Corey Kluber pitches in the 13th inning of a wild card baseball playoff game against the Cleveland Guardians on Oct. 8, 2022, in Cleveland. The Boston Red Sox and Kluber agreed to a $10 million, one-year contract on Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2022, adding the veteran right-hander to the team's rotation. (AP Photo/David Dermer, File)
FILE - Tampa Bay Rays' Corey Kluber pitches in the 13th inning of a wild card baseball playoff game against the Cleveland Guardians on Oct. 8, 2022, in Cleveland. The Boston Red Sox and Kluber agreed to a $10 million, one-year contract on Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2022, adding the veteran right-hander to the team's rotation. (AP Photo/David Dermer, File)

AP source: Japanese right-hander Fujinami agrees with A’s

Janie Mccauley, The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

AP source: Japanese right-hander Fujinami agrees with A’s

Janie Mccauley, The Associated Press 2 minute read Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Japanese right-hander Shintaro Fujinami has reached agreement on a $3.25 million, one-year contract with the Oakland Athletics, according to a person with direct knowledge of the deal.

The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Thursday because Fujinami’s contract is pending a physical.

Much like his countryman and superstar two-way player Shohei Ohtani, Fujinami can hit, too. They will now see each other often with Ohtani also in the AL West with the Los Angeles Angels. The two stars are from the same 2012 draft class, with Fujinami just less than three months older than Ohtani.

A hard-throwing 28-year-old, Fujinami could fill a key void in Oakland's rotation as he can start or come out of the bullpen. He spent the past 10 seasons with the Hanshin Tigers in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball League. The 6-foot-6 Fujinami went 7-6 with a 2.77 ERA in 25 outings and 107 1/3 innings in 2022.

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Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023

FILE - Japan pitcher Shintaro Fujinami pitches against the Netherlands in the sixth inning of an international exhibition series baseball game at Tokyo Dome in Tokyo, Nov. 12, 2016. Right-hander Fujinami has reached agreement on a $3.25 million, one-year contract with the Oakland Athletics, according to a person with direct knowledge of the deal. The person spoke on condition of anonymity Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023, because Fujinami’s contract is pending a physical to be finalized. (AP Photo/Toru Takahashi, File)
FILE - Japan pitcher Shintaro Fujinami pitches against the Netherlands in the sixth inning of an international exhibition series baseball game at Tokyo Dome in Tokyo, Nov. 12, 2016. Right-hander Fujinami has reached agreement on a $3.25 million, one-year contract with the Oakland Athletics, according to a person with direct knowledge of the deal. The person spoke on condition of anonymity Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023, because Fujinami’s contract is pending a physical to be finalized. (AP Photo/Toru Takahashi, File)

Orioles assign recently acquired O’Hearn to Triple-A

The Associated Press 1 minute read Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023

BALTIMORE (AP) — The Baltimore Orioles assigned first baseman Ryan O'Hearn to Triple-A Norfolk.

The team announced Thursday that O'Hearn had cleared waivers. Baltimore acquired him last week in a trade with Kansas City, then designated him for assignment.

The 29-year-old O’Hearn hit .239 with a home run and 16 RBIs last season. He spent his first five big league seasons with the Royals.

O’Hearn has played mostly first base in his career, but he has also spent time in the corner outfield spots.

Guardians announce plans for major remodel of home ballpark

Tom Withers, The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

Guardians announce plans for major remodel of home ballpark

Tom Withers, The Associated Press 3 minute read Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023

CLEVELAND (AP) — Back as a World Series title contender, the Cleveland Guardians are moving forward with upgrades to Progressive Field.

The team revealed on Thursday delayed final plans for a “reimagining” of its downtown home, which has aged well since opening in 1994 but is now the 11th oldest ballpark in Major League Baseball.

The Guardians have earmarked more than $200 million to remodel the upper deck, clubhouses and other areas over the next three years. The funds are part of an overall $435 million renovation project included in a new lease agreement the team signed last year through 2036.

The renovations will be done in stages and the Guardians intend to have them done by the 2025 season opener.

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Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023

FILE -Workers finish installing the Cleveland Guardians sign above the scoreboard at Progressive Field, Thursday, March 17, 2022, in Cleveland. Back among the World Series title contenders, the Cleveland Guardians are moving forward with upgrades to Progressive Field. The team revealed on Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023 the final plans for a “reimagining” of its downtown home, which has aged well since opening in 1994 but is now the 11th oldest ballpark in Major League Baseball.(AP Photo/Ron Schwane, File)
FILE -Workers finish installing the Cleveland Guardians sign above the scoreboard at Progressive Field, Thursday, March 17, 2022, in Cleveland. Back among the World Series title contenders, the Cleveland Guardians are moving forward with upgrades to Progressive Field. The team revealed on Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023 the final plans for a “reimagining” of its downtown home, which has aged well since opening in 1994 but is now the 11th oldest ballpark in Major League Baseball.(AP Photo/Ron Schwane, File)

Eric Hinske joins Mets as assistant hitting coach

The Associated Press 1 minute read Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023

NEW YORK (AP) — Eric Hinske is joining the New York Mets as assistant hitting coach in manager Buck Showalter's staff, Eric Chavez is switching to bench coach and Dom Chiiti is becoming bullpen coach.

Glenn Sherlock is moving from bench coach to catching and strategy coach, and Jeremy Barnes from assistant hitting coach to hitting coach, the team said Thursday.

Hinske, a 12-year big league veteran, was hitting coach of the 2018 Los Angeles Angels, when Billy Eppler was general manager. Eppler became the Mets GM in November 2021.

Hinske was first base coach of the Chicago Cubs in 2014 and assistant hitting coach from 2015-17 and was Arizona's assistant hitting coach from 2019-21.

Bauer released by Los Angeles Dodgers after suspension cut

Ronald Blum, The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

Bauer released by Los Angeles Dodgers after suspension cut

Ronald Blum, The Associated Press 3 minute read Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023

NEW YORK (AP) — Trevor Bauer was released Thursday by the Los Angeles Dodgers after the pitcher's unprecedented 324-game suspension over sexual misconduct allegations was reduced by an arbitrator.

Los Angeles designated Bauer for assignment on Jan. 6, the last day to restore him to the roster, after arbitrator Martin Scheinman cut the suspension imposed by baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred from 324 to 194 games. The Dodgers placed the pitcher on waivers Thursday, and any team can claim Bauer by 1 p.m. EST Friday.

Bauer is owed about $22.5 million from the remainder of his $102 million, three-year contract, making a waiver claim unlikely. If the 2020 NL Cy Young Award winner is not claimed, any team can sign him after 2 p.m. EST Friday for the major league minimum of $720,000. The Dodgers would be responsible for the remainder of the $22,537,635 he is owed.

The suspenson has cost Bauer about $37.6 million in salary.

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Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023

FILE - Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Trevor Bauer pauses while working against the San Francisco Giants during the fourth inning of a baseball game May 21, 2021, in San Francisco. Bauer was reinstated Thursday, Dec. 22, 2022, by Major League Baseball's independent arbitrator, allowing the pitcher to resume his career at the start of the 2023 season. (AP Photo/D. Ross Cameron, File)
FILE - Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Trevor Bauer pauses while working against the San Francisco Giants during the fourth inning of a baseball game May 21, 2021, in San Francisco. Bauer was reinstated Thursday, Dec. 22, 2022, by Major League Baseball's independent arbitrator, allowing the pitcher to resume his career at the start of the 2023 season. (AP Photo/D. Ross Cameron, File)

MLB hires executive from Sinclair, concerned with TV future

The Associated Press 2 minute read Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023

NEW YORK (AP) — Major League Baseball hired a high-ranking executive from the Sinclair Broadcast Group as the sport deals with concern over the future of regional sports networks in an era of cord-cutting.

Billy Chambers will start with MLB on Feb. 1 in the newly created position of executive vice president for local media, the commissioner's office said Thursday.

Kenny Gersh was promoted by MLB to executive vice president of media and business development from executive vice president of business development, a role he had held since September 2020.

“Billy is an important addition to Major League Baseball and will play an integral role in how we navigate the rapidly evolving local media landscape in the future,” Commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement. “Billy’s extensive knowledge and experience in all areas of regional sports network operations will help us maximize the reach of our game in the clubs’ local markets.”

Cardinals hire McEwing as bench coach after Holliday resigns

The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Cardinals hire McEwing as bench coach after Holliday resigns

The Associated Press 2 minute read Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023

ST. LOUIS (AP) — The Cardinals hired Joe McEwing as their new bench coach Thursday to replace longtime star Matt Holliday, who took the job in November but quit to spend more time with his family.

The 50-year-old McEwing, who was originally drafted by the Cardinals in 1992 and played two seasons for St. Louis, has spent the past 15 years with the White Sox, where he served as bench coach from 2017-20 under Rick Renteria and this past season as third base coach for Tony La Russa and acting manager Miguel Cairo.

McEwing also served as third base coach in Chicago from 2012-16 under Robin Ventura, along with stints coaching and managing with Class A Winston-Salem and Triple-A Charlotte in the White Sox system.

Holliday, a fan favorite who helped St. Louis win the World Series in 2011, was hired Nov. 6 to replace Skip Schumaker as manager Oliver Marmol's bench coach. The 42-year-old slugger, and a seven-time All-Star during his 15-year major league career, had been coaching at Oklahoma State in his hometown of Stillwater.

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Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023

FILE - Chicago White Sox third base coach Joe McEwing looks on during the second inning of a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles, Tuesday, Aug. 23, 2022, in Baltimore. The Cardinals hired Joe McEwing as their new bench coach Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023, to replace longtime star Matt Holliday, who took the job in November but quit to spend more time with his family. The 50-year-old McEwing, who was originally drafted by the Cardinals in 1992 and played two seasons for St. Louis, has spent the past 15 years with the White Sox. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez, File)
FILE - Chicago White Sox third base coach Joe McEwing looks on during the second inning of a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles, Tuesday, Aug. 23, 2022, in Baltimore. The Cardinals hired Joe McEwing as their new bench coach Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023, to replace longtime star Matt Holliday, who took the job in November but quit to spend more time with his family. The 50-year-old McEwing, who was originally drafted by the Cardinals in 1992 and played two seasons for St. Louis, has spent the past 15 years with the White Sox. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez, File)

Remaining Free Agents

The Associated Press 2 minute read Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2023

NEW YORK (AP) — The 77 remaining free agents:

AMERICAN LEAGUE

BALTIMORE (3) — Jesús Aguilar, 1b; Robinson Chirinos, c; Rougned Odor, 2b.

BOSTON (2) — Tommy Pham, of; Michael Wacha, rhp.

Marlins trade SS Miguel Rojas to Dodgers for prospect

Tim Reynolds, The Associated Press 3 minute read Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2023

MIAMI (AP) — The Los Angeles Dodgers got their shortstop on Wednesday night, acquiring Miguel Rojas from the Miami Marlins in exchange for infield prospect Jacob Amaya.

The teams announced the trade Wednesday night.

The Dodgers needed a shortstop after Trea Turner — their starter at that position for all but two games last season — left in free agency and signed an 11-year, $300 million contract with the NL champion Philadelphia Phillies.

And that hole, evidently, will be filled by Rojas. He has a $5 million salary in the final season of a $10 million, two-year contract, then can become a free agent.

AP sources: Padres, Nelson Cruz agree to 1-year, $1M deal

Bernie Wilson, The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

AP sources: Padres, Nelson Cruz agree to 1-year, $1M deal

Bernie Wilson, The Associated Press 2 minute read Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2023

SAN DIEGO (AP) — Longtime slugger Nelson Cruz has agreed to a $1 million, one-year contract with the San Diego Padres, according to two people with knowledge of the deal.

The people spoke with The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Wednesday because the contract is pending a physical and had not been completed.

The right-handed-hitting Cruz, who turns 43 on July 1, is expected to platoon at DH with 37-year-old lefty hitter Matt Carpenter, who signed a one-year deal with the Padres last month.

Cruz is a seven-time All-Star and four-time Silver Slugger Award winner who has 459 career home runs in 18 big league seasons. He had 10 homers and 64 RBIs in 124 games with Washington last year. He didn't play after Sept. 13 due to an eye condition that required offseason surgery. Cruz received a $3 million buyout after the Nationals declined a mutual option.

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Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2023

FILE - Washington Nationals' Nelson Cruz swings at a pitch during the team's baseball game against the Seattle Mariners, Aug. 23, 2022 in Seattle. Cruz has agreed to a $1 million, one-year contract with the San Diego Padres, according to two people with knowledge of the deal. The people spoke with The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Wednesday, Jan. 11, because the contract is pending a physical and had not been completed. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren, File)
FILE - Washington Nationals' Nelson Cruz swings at a pitch during the team's baseball game against the Seattle Mariners, Aug. 23, 2022 in Seattle. Cruz has agreed to a $1 million, one-year contract with the San Diego Padres, according to two people with knowledge of the deal. The people spoke with The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Wednesday, Jan. 11, because the contract is pending a physical and had not been completed. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren, File)

Remaining Free Agents

The Associated Press 2 minute read Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2023

NEW YORK (AP) — The 78 remaining free agents:

AMERICAN LEAGUE

BALTIMORE (3) — Jesús Aguilar, 1b; Robinson Chirinos, c; Rougned Odor, 2b.

BOSTON (2) — Tommy Pham, of; Michael Wacha, rhp.

Ottavino’s deal with Mets includes deferred money until 2035

Ronald Blum, The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Ottavino’s deal with Mets includes deferred money until 2035

Ronald Blum, The Associated Press 2 minute read Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2023

NEW YORK (AP) — Veteran reliever Adam Ottavino's $14.5 million, two-year contract with the New York Mets includes $8 million in deferred money that will not be fully paid until January 2035.

His agreement, announced Dec. 27, follows a $ 102 million, five-year deal with closer Edwin Díaz that includes $26.5 million in deferred money to be paid through July 2042.

Ottavino gets a $7.75 million salary this year, of which $4 million is deferred, and the deal includes a $6.75 million player option for 2024, of which $4 million would be deferred. There is no buyout.

He can earn an additional $1 million in performance bonuses each year for innings: $250,000 each for 30, 40, 50 and 60. Ottavino gets a hotel suite on road trips.

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Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2023

FILE - New York Mets pitcher Adam Ottavino throws during the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Sept. 1, 2022, in New York. The Mets re-signed reliever Ottavino to a two-year contract on Tuesday, Dec. 27, bringing back a top setup man for All-Star closer Edwin Díaz. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger, File)
FILE - New York Mets pitcher Adam Ottavino throws during the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Sept. 1, 2022, in New York. The Mets re-signed reliever Ottavino to a two-year contract on Tuesday, Dec. 27, bringing back a top setup man for All-Star closer Edwin Díaz. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger, File)

Wade Miley would earn all bonuses for pitching 150 innings

The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Wade Miley would earn all bonuses for pitching 150 innings

The Associated Press 2 minute read Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2023

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Wade Miley would earn all of his $1.5 million in performance bonuses if he pitches 150 innings this season as part of his $4.5 million, one-year contract with the Milwaukee Brewers.

Miley's agreement, announced Monday, calls for a $3.5 million salary this year and includes a $10 million mutual option for 2022 with a $1 million buyout. He would earn $150,000 for 75 innings, $350,000 for 100 and $500,000 each for 125 and 150.

Miley would get a one-time $250,000 assignment bonus if traded.

He would earn $100,000 for winning a Cy Young Award, $75,000 for finishing second in the voting and $50,000 for third. He also would get $50,000 each for making the All-Star team, winning Comeback Player of the Year or the Mariano Rivera/Trevor Hoffman reliever of the year award, or World Series MVP or a Sliver Slugger. He would get $25,000 for a Gold Glove or League Championship Series MVP.

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Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2023

FILE - Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Wade Miley delivers during the first inning of the team's baseball game against the Pittsburgh Pirates in Pittsburgh, Sept. 24, 2022. The Milwaukee Brewers and Miley agreed to a $4.5 million, one-year contract on Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2023, according to a person familiar with the situation.The person confirmed the move to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the contract had not been announced. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File)
FILE - Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Wade Miley delivers during the first inning of the team's baseball game against the Pittsburgh Pirates in Pittsburgh, Sept. 24, 2022. The Milwaukee Brewers and Miley agreed to a $4.5 million, one-year contract on Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2023, according to a person familiar with the situation.The person confirmed the move to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the contract had not been announced. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File)

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